The second largest Latvian city is located on the border of states, including Latvia, Belarus, Russia. It is not surprising that during its long history it has changed its names many times, among which are Dvinsk, Dinaburg, Borisoglebov. The coat of arms of Daugavpils has also undergone changes over the centuries, radically changing not only the elements, but even the shape of the shield.
Description of the heraldic symbol of Daugavpils
Currently, the coat of arms is in effect, which was adopted back in 1925. After the establishment of the power of the Soviets in these territories, the inhabitants of Daugavpils could only dream of their own symbol of a free city. But after gaining independence, one of the first measures was the restoration of the city emblem, this happened in 1990.
According to scientists in the field of heraldry, the main official symbol of Daugavpils fully meets the canons and basic postulates. It looks stylish due to the thought-out and carefully selected colors, as well as harmoniously placed symbols. The modern coat of arms of the Latvian city has the following elements and images:
- azure shield with a rounded bottom;
- a wavy strip of a lighter blue hue, dividing the shield into two fields;
- part of the fortress wall of the same pale blue hue in the lower field;
- heraldic lily in the upper half of the shield.
The appearance of a wavy line (belt) in the composition is not surprising if you know about the geographical location of the city - it stands on the Daugava River (Verkhnyaya Dvina), which plays an important role in the development of Daugavpils.
A fragment of the fortress wall, lined with bricks, is a direct reference to the Daugavpils fortress. The golden lily in heraldry is one of the symbols of chivalry. Since it is believed that the city was founded by the brave knights of the Livonian Order, the depiction of a stylized plant pattern on the coat of arms is quite justified.
Excursion into the history of Daugavpils
Historians show the preserved heraldic images of Daugavpils, which date back to the 13th century. They represent an oval shield, divided in half, in the upper part of the Mother of God, who is holding a little Jesus in her arms, in the lower part - a knight and a castle.
In 1582, the city, which now has the name Dinaburg, firstly, changes its location, and secondly, it receives a new coat of arms in the form of an azure shield with crossing spears. After the annexation of the territories to the Russian Empire, the city's coat of arms takes on a new look, uses the famous "Pursuit" symbol, which refers to Polotsk.
During the years of Soviet power, another image of the coat of arms of Daugavpils appeared, but experts noted the violation of heraldry rules in it. Therefore, first of all, the authorities of independent Latvia returned the historical symbol to the city.
